Having studied abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France almost two years ago, I think I have a good grip on things I absolutely loved and positively hated while abroad.

I loved:

1. Food.

I have to admit - I am a foodie. I was introduced to so many different flavors abroad. France is the food capital of the world. Meals are treated like gold - valuable and handled with care.

2. History.

This sort of creeped me out at first but I quickly understood it. In America we tend to do away with anything that looks or smells old. For instance: houses, cars, clothes, the elderly. It's actually a little sad when you think about the beauty in years that are stolen and the stories that never get told.

I hated:

1. Public restrooms.

Absolute foolishness. Now, I'm not fussing but if I have to pay to use a restroom it better be the best bathroom I've ever had the pleasure of voiding in.

2. Fun-size.

Everything was extremely tiny. Think about a country of over 66 billion people the size of the state of Texas. The result? Apartments, coffee shops, washers, cars that are miniature. Or is it that things are just bigger in the U.S?

Finally, I learned:

Just have fun.